The Lead Scientist, Global Water develops and monitors the implementation of a vision for applied Freshwater Science that is aligned with TNC’s Shared Conservation Agenda Framework. They collaborate with the science community at large to enhance the freshwater conservation practices of TNC and others and continue to strengthen TNC’s status as a global leader in Freshwater Conservation Science. They guide development and dissemination of scientific methods, tools and guidelines for freshwater strategies, conduct original research and publish findings to add to the body of Freshwater Science knowledge and support of TNC organizational goals. S/he will drive efforts to establish TNC as a global leader in freshwater science as a foundation to addressing the world’s most pressing water resource challenges.

The Lead Scientist, Global Water will report to the Managing Director of Global Water, and will be an active collaborator with the Science Cabinet in the Office of the Chief Scientist – a collaborative group that brings top level thought leadership to the organization’s strategy leaders, establishes and advances critical science issues with the external academic and practitioner communities, and takes on joint research to address pressing trans-disciplinary issues in conservation.

- Fosters innovation and risk taking to strengthen the use of freshwater science within the organization.

- Leads project teams and/or staff and provide technical input in support of a major economics research initiatives or projects.

- Communicates findings and best practices in high-level international forums and peer reviewed publications, and cultivates an external presence in coordination with TNC Science Communications team as an expert and leader in relevant disciplines.

- Provides critical, evidence-based thought leadership, advising on and influencing the creation and execution of major strategies for priority global programs.

- Leads efforts to translate findings and best available science into regionally or sectorally appropriate guidelines, tools, and/or best practice for the organization, the broader conservation community, and other key actors and sectors

- Enlists academic freshwater experts in research on challenges of interest to the organization

- Places special emphasis on research and synthesis that advances the evidence base for understanding the effectiveness of freshwater conservation strategies in improving biodiversity and human well-being.

- Identifies, cultivates and solicits major donors and grant opportunities in support of program activities. - Travels 50% or more in both the US and internationally.

- PhD degree in science related field (preferably hydrology, water resource engineering or water management), plus at least 10 years related experience in applied water resources science or equivalent combination of education and experience that may include experience working in the private sector.

- Experience with networking in the global freshwater scientific and management community.

- Experience working, building relationships and communicating with a wide range of partners.

- Experience with decision making with legal, financial and reputational results and consequences.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
TNC’s Global Water community includes freshwater scientists, policy experts, economists and on-the-ground conservation practitioners, working across six continents. We collaborate with academia, governments, corporates, other NGOs and communities, and together we are making real progress. In 2017 our Murray-Darling Balanced Water Fund in Australia was awarded the Banskia Capital Award. Our work to help governments achieve energy needs while protecting rivers has been supported by new funding from the Inter-American Development... Bank; and we have just launched China’s second Water Fund in Hangzhou – bringing the global total to 30.